Trump government's $400M deal for armored Teslas—Which model is expected?
What's the story
The US State Department is eyeing a major investment in Tesla, Elon Musk's famous electric vehicle (EV) company. As per the department's 2025 procurement forecast, a five-year contract worth $400 million with Tesla is on the cards. The deal would involve acquiring "Armored Tesla (Production Units)" from Musk's firm, though the exact model has not been revealed yet.
Vehicle speculation
Tesla's armored vehicle: A potential reference to Cybertruck
The term "Armored Tesla" used in the State Department's forecast could possibly refer to Tesla's Cybertruck. This is a stainless steel pickup truck that Musk has previously touted as bulletproof. The proposed contract with Tesla is due to be finalized by September 30, making it the biggest budget item in the department's forecast for this year.
Features
What are the key highlights of Cybertruck
The Cybertruck's exoskeleton is made of ultra-hard, cold-rolled stainless steel. Tesla claims this material is highly resistant to dents, scratches, and even some ballistic impacts. The EV's windows are made of what Tesla calls "armor glass," designed to withstand significant impacts. Last month, a Cybertruck involved in a terriost attack outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas killed the driver and injured seven. The EV, loaded with petrol canisters and firework mortars, "actually contained the explosion," according to Musk.
Twitter Post
Terroists picked the wrong vehicle: Musk
The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025
Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken. https://t.co/9vj1JdcRZV
Additional deals
State Department's other automotive contracts
Along with the Tesla deal, the State Department's forecast also includes contracts with other automakers. This includes a $40 million contract for armored BMW SUVs, particularly the X5 and X7 models. However, representatives from the White House, State Department, and Tesla have yet to respond to requests for comment on these potential deals.
Government ties
Musk's history of government contracts and current role
The proposed Tesla contract isn't Musk's first brush with the US government. His companies have already bagged billions of dollars in government contracts and subsidies. SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell had revealed in November that the company had $22 billion worth of government contracts. Musk is now spearheading President Trump's cost-cutting efforts in the government as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).